Joe Castillo’s Face Of Christ

A friend of mine sent me a copy of The Face of Christ by Joe Castillo. I was enormously impressed. As you can see, the artist has incorporated major events from Christ’s life and ministry into the drawing, mostly in the beard and hair.

The rolled away stone of the empty tomb corresponds nicely to where the ear would be, and the stars in the eyes provide a sense of scale for the Star of Bethlehem, which is tucked into the shadow of the nose. I think my favorite touch is using the Sea of Galilee and its mountain backdrop for the right eyebrow.

Here’s a key to the events depicted, along with each corresponding Bible verse (which I verified separately). I found the information on this tribute site.

Mr. Castillo is known principally as a sand artist. The term conjures up visions of large sculptures at a beach, but what Mr. Castillo does is very different: using his hands, he draws pictures in sand spread on a light table. The images are projected on a screen for the audience. Sound intriguing? You might want to check out some video clips of Joe Castillo creating sand story art.

What do you think? Has Joe Castillo crafted something special? Does The Face of Christ speak to you on an artistic or spiritual level? Hope you’ll leave a comment.

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It’s really clever and amazing how it was done. Depicting the story of Christ as illustrations which link together to make up the face reminds me a bit of how text illustration is produced, but in a whole new and better perspective.

But when looking at the drawing, it really doesn’t look like it was done using a chunky marker pen (as seen in the video). The details are wonderful, I can see why you were so impressed with it.

Hi Mark,
I have never heard of Joe Castillo but now I have seen his sand art I’m very impressed. I watched one video and enjoyed watching the process he uses very much. I appreciate Castillo’s art on an artistic level but it does nothing for me spirtiually as I’m not a Christian.

Glad you enjoyed it, Inge, and I agree: it’s a brilliant piece of work. It’s easy to forget sometimes that all great art has to begin with an idea, a vision. It’s an extraordinary concept, and it boggles the mind to think of the time and effort that must have gone into laying the whole thing out. As always, thanks for your support! : )

As amazing as Joe Castillo’s work is, I really think that by displaying Christ to America, he lost the competition, that is just the way our culture is today so Anti- Christ… Prayer out, Christmas or Nativity out… The term one nation under God is becoming politically wrong, tolerance in everything but excepting anything that has to do with Christ. You watch and see the unfolding– I hope I am wrong!

It’s easy to become discouraged, and I understand your frustration: our modern secular culture never tires of preaching tolerance, but that doesn’t seem to extend to religion, especially Christianity, which is regularly mocked by the intelligensia.

I’m not privy to Mr. Castillo’s thoughts, but I suspect he is sustained by Christ’s words: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” (Jn 15:18) As well as: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) Things haven’t changed much in the last 2000 years. Christ’s words should help sustain us, too. We must battle on and be of good cheer.

I was at a church sale and purchased the face of Christ by Joe Castillo but it is not the one that is shown here. It looks like, to me, that it might have been the initial first rendition of the face. It is not near as complex as the one shown on this page. At the lower right of the stone and continuing on to the entire bottom of the stone is imprinted: Seek the Lord and His Strength; Seek His Face Continually. Psalm 105:4. At the bottom of the stone is imprinted The Tennessee Mint and a marking I cannot distinguish.

I checked Mr. Castillo’s website. There’s a page which mentions the Tennessee Mint as follows: “The Face of Christ depicts His story from a humble birth in a stable to His resurrection. This drawing was formerly featured on a marble plaque sold extensively throughout the United States by the Tennessee Mint.”

There’s another page entitled About The Face Of Christ. It says the “true story” behind the drawing is a “personal drama of bitterness, despair and ultimately, forgiveness and restoration.” Joe wrote a book about it, and it seems that in order to learn the true story, one has to buy the book. However, you can see a snippet of the story here.

Hi, Janet. I don’t think Mr. Castillo’s The Face Of Christ is sold thru the Tennessee Mint anymore. However, you can purchase a copy thru his online store. Here’s the link: http://www.joecastillo.com/store.php

I happened to be looking for something in my attic today and found my marbled stone copy of The Face of Christ. It is indeed a most magnificent piece, and as I shared the pic with my FB friends, I was immediately impacted by the workmanship that led to this masterpiece. God Bless Joe Castillo, and God bless you for bringing this back to light. It most certainly is an inspiring work of art, and a gift from the Lord to all whom seek His face continually.

Hi, Miranda. Thanks so much for your kind comment and good wishes. I can recall being totally bowled over when I first saw Mr. Castillo’s Face Of Christ. The concept and execution are brilliant. A perfect stepping-off point for meditation on Christ’s life. I find myself wondering how Mr. C. hit on the idea, and thinking about all the time and effort that must have gone into figuring out how to blend the Gospel account visuals into the portrait. Truly amazing.

I’m very glad you enjoyed the post and found your copy of TFOC. Cheers, and God bless you on your journey! : )